29.09.2008 20:57

First title in the bag (3-1)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça Sorli Discau have won roller hockey’s Intercontinental Cup after beating Argentinian outfit Concepción in the final.

Following the Vigo Tournament and the Clubs World Cup, almost without a break, Barça Sorli Discau have moved onto the Intercontinental Cup and won their first official trophy of the year. Despite playing on the back of a hectic schedule, they raised their game for the occasion and defeated Concepción of Argentina.

Raining chances

The game started with a barrage of attempts on goal from Barça Sorli Discau. Only three minutes had gone before David Páez tested the Argentine keeper and Alberto Borregán and Mia Ordeig had attempts shortly after. At this point, it was one-way traffic with Quim Paüls’ side dominating all over the court.

Concepción needed a quarter of an hour before they created any real danger, through José Bueno, but a minute later a penalty was awarded in Barça’s favour, goalkeeper Ariel Svriz dealing brilliantly with the Barça captain’s strike.

Goal before the break

With just 1:27 to play, Concepción went on the counter, but Egurrola broke down the play and fed the ball out to Carlitos López, and the Barça man went on a weaving run through his fellow countrymen to blast the ball home and put his side into the lead. The goals lifted Concepción into seeking an answer, and Bueno almost grabbed an equaliser with seconds left on the clock.

Barça sentence match

The Argentinians had more luck after the interval, with Fabian Fuentes scoring from a free kick. But the joy was short-lived, for just 40 seconds later, another Barcelona Argentinian David Páez scored to make it 2-1. The game was alive, and Concepción almost equalised again when Pablo Martin’s effort struck the post. It was Barça captain Beto Borregán who finally clinched the win with Barça’s third, and Beto almost scored his second of the day, but his shot careered off the post. Mia Ordeig and Lluís Teixidió also came close, but the Barça Sorli Discau win seemed secure by this time, as indeed it was, and the Intercontinental Cup was handed over by the South American Roller Sports Federation’s president Armando Quintanilla.

Injured players

The players will only have one day to rest, for on Wednesday they have an OK League game to play against Lloret. Quim Paüls has several injuries to work around. Sergi Panadero, with wrist trouble, didn’t play on Monday. Alberto Borregan, back, and David Páez, adductors, are also not fully fit.